A study published recently suggests that male smokers are more likely to have osteoporosis and fractures of their vertebrae, than female smokers. The study was made on middle-aged to elderly people.

The results were published in the online journal called Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Scientists discovered that chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and smoking history were independent risk factors for low bone density in females and males.

It is a proven fact that smoking increases risks for development of osteoporosis and it is important to pay a special attention on its prevention. .

According to Elizabeth Regan, assistant professor of medicine at the National Jewish Health in the US, men and women who smoked in past or are current smokers should should be screened for osteoporosis.

In the course of the study, the researchers analyzed data of 3,321 current and former smokers aged 45 to 80. Thus it was found that 55% of smokers had low bone density and 60% of men were with vertebral fractures.

Low-bone density resulted in higher risks for COPD, increasing to 84% among severe cases in both men and women.
Regan told that CT scans used to detect lung cancer in heavy smokers may also be used for bone density screening in smokers.